Giving meaningful gifts have long become tradition worldwide, although heartfelt gifts hold different significance for different people. People may give a gift to say thanks, to commemorate a special milestone or even just as a spontaneous want to show love. They can be small or large, what matters is that they come from the heart.

Porcelain is a fantastic way to show how much you care, using beautiful figurines that have been painstakingly created into tiny snapshots of life and love. Popular figurines for porcelain are ballroom and ballet dancers, delicate animals and fantasy creatures as well as breath-taking pieces of mothers and babies. With esteemed companies such as Nao and Lladro producing a wide range of different porcelain figures suitable for a range of occasions, you can find something for every event. Here are a few examples of occasions where a porcelain gift would simply be the cherry on top of a remarkable event.

Christenings

Normally a teddy bear is given at a christening, but why not buy something a bit more…eternal? Giving a beautiful teddy bear figurine at the christening is a great way to show your love and it is a gift that can be kept until the child is older, so that they may enjoy it themselves or show it to their own children.

Graduation

Personal achievements are often the ones you are most proud of. However it mean just that little bit extra when other people congratulate you on your achievements. Graduation from University, whether it is a BA, a Masters or even a PHD, is a fantastic achievement and one that you carry with you for the rest of your life. So why not further add to that pride by gifting a graduating friend or relative with a beautiful porcelain degree or graduation hat?

Engagement

Love is a wonderful thing. When a couple announces their engagement, normally champagne is poured, flowers are given and the long walk starts towards planning the wedding and the start of their new life together. Mark this occasion forever with a lovely figurine of two dancers, or a pair of swans with the date of engagement or the planned wedding date painted on the base.

New Baby

With so many tiny porcelain babies available in stores and online as well as gorgeous mother and baby porcelain joint figurines, this seems like the obvious gift to give a couple expecting a new little addition to their family. In some cases you can also personalise the baby, or pick a certain colour scheme to represent the gender of the baby. It is up to you.

In Remembrance

Family members taken before their time, dear loved ones finally departed, beloved pets lost in tragic accidents. Death happens all the time and it is heart-breaking and time-stopping when it happens to someone close to you. A small gift yet meaningful all the same, is a porcelain figure representing the love lost and honouring their memory. It could be a symbol of their hobbies; a ballet shoe or a piece of delicate jewellery, or it could be a simple representation of their passing; such as an angel or a dove.

Porcelain gifts are expensive, however they come from the heart and certainly earn their space on the recipient’s windowsill or at their desk for years to come. They may often seem like a small token of affection, but the meaning behind the gift and the joy that it brings in simply looking at it and remembering the giver fondly, is well worth the price you pay. Whether you want to buy it for a close friend or relative who is moving away, you feel it fit to give to a loved one who has recently come through hard times, or just as a meaningful birthday gift, say ‘I love you’ without using words by using a beautiful porcelain figure.

Article provided by The Chinaman; the china and porcelain gift specialist with a beautiful shop in Sevenoaks and two websites packed full of stunning figurines, crockery and much more.

Summer Concerts in Marbella – Starlite Festival 2015

The Spanish coast will be welcoming numerous famous guests this summer for the premier music and dance festival that is Starlite in Marbella. The fabulous festival lasts for a month and includes a programme filled with huge concerts, parties, shows and premieres. The list of famous names appearing throughout the month has grown considerably over the last few months, with some monumental names preparing to take to the stage between July 18^th and August 22^nd.

A History of Starlite

Starlite is famous for attracting festival-goers from all over Europe to an event defined by culture and community. Hosted at Marbella’s quarry, a natural open-air amphitheatre, Starlite provides us with a complete cultural programme for one month every year.

The stars that regularly make an appearance each year embrace the warm social atmosphere and regularly mingle among the audience for drinks, food and the unique experience in general.

Starlite is famous for its musical performances and for playing host to some of the industry’s most iconic figures, including Tom Jones, Pet Shop Boys, Bryan Adams, Julio Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Tony Bennet, Malu and Alejandro Fernandez. Alongside these huge names, Starlite is considered a major ambassador of what Spain has to offer to its tourists.

Starlite was founded over thirty years ago by three visionaries, Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, Julio Iglesias and Placido Domingo. They were eager to create a music festival that would be internationally recognised for its contribution to both music and community spirit. The festival was set up in Marbella’s quarry and celebrated from 1983, year upon year.

Who’s Performing?

The considerable array of start performers appearing in Marbella this summer include Lionel Richie, Lenny Kravitz and Andrea Bocelli. Lenny Kravitz is one of the biggest names in rock music, while he’s also made a name for himself as an aspiring actor having appeared in a handful of films and productions. Lionel Richie is one of the best-selling musicians of all time and is probably most famously known for the line “Hello, is it me you’re looking for?” Andrea Bocelli never fails to provide spine tingling performances wherever he goes, with the tones of this world-famous opera star set to take to the stage at Starlite once more.

The music has always played a huge part at Starlite festival, but it’s important we don’t forget, alongside these wonderful musicians and beautiful melodies, the social attractions and communal spirit that is ever-present. The Starlite Lounge is open between 8pm and 6am and makes for the perfect place to mingle with fellow festival-goers. It also plays host to various fashions shows, performances, art exhibitions and restaurants. At the stroke of midnight, the Lounge transforms into the idyllic festival atmosphere with parties, DJ’s and soirees all taking centre stage.

Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas will be making an appearance to host the famous Starlite Gala. Banderas is one of Malaga’s famous sons and continues to work immensely hard to help local charities gain more recognition. This year, with the help of Antonio Banderas, the Gala will look to raise money for disadvantaged families and communities.

What Next?

If you’re captivated by the prospect of visiting one of Marbella’s most memorable summer festivals, you can found out all you need to know about tickets and travel on the official Starlite website. Tickets are sold independently so you can choose which acts you’d like to see. Remember that the biggest names will sell out fast, so don’t hesitate in getting your hands on tickets to this wonderful summer event.

Article provided by Marbella’s largest real estate agent, Panorama Properties.